People are being warned not to fall victim to bogus door-to-door traders selling artwork while claiming to be deaf and dumb.
The advice comes after a Sutton Bridge pensioner bought a drawing earlier this month from a woman who claimed the cash would be used to fund their education.
Donald Boyce (78) of Stanley Drive has since reported the matter to police and wants other residents not to make the same mistake as he did.
He said: “A young lady came to the door who looked like a student and had a notice saying she was deaf and dumb.
“She was selling pictures which I thought were pencil drawings and which she claimed had been drawn by herself.
“They looked like they had been photographed and blown up, but I felt sorry for her so I bought a picture for £13 and she wrote on the of it ‘thank you ever so much.’
“But my wife said I’d been conned and I thought it was very funny on my part to be caught out like that.”
A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman said: “We have become aware of door-to-door salespeople travelling across Lincolnshire and selling drawings, some by pencil.
“The person, and in some cases people, are claming to be deaf and wish to obtain funds to support themselves.
“Please be advised that this is a scam and if unsure, don’t open the door.”